Shavon's Purple Lotus Body Art

I went to Shavon on the recommendation of a friend. Everyone was very friendly, and knowledgeable. The shop was clean and comfortable. When she did my tattoo she used only new needles and ink. The work she done is awesome, following the instructions she gave me it is already starting to heal. I will be going back to get more. The best experience I have had getting a tattoo done anywhere. She did great work and it was cheaper than anyone else in town quoted me. Go to Shavon and you will be happy.

I heard about Shavon's Purple Lotus through a friend, who said that she's supposed to be the best in the area, with years and years of experience. After the reference, I went to the shop's website to learn a little more. I have to say, the fact that she's lived, done work, and had work done on her in multiple countries definitely caught my attention. I kept reading, and soon found out that she has a $100 minimun on all her work. At first, that started to steer me away being that I was on a tight budget, but I learned that it was for a very good reason. She uses only the best ink, custom draws EVERY tattoo, and never tattoos the same design twice. My girlfriend and I both got work done there last night, and it was worth every penny. I love the atmosphere, the creativity, and the artist, and I definitely plan on going back whenever possible.

As military, and military wives, a group of friends sat down around a fire every Friday night for over a year to discuss hardships, blessings, money, kids, and life in general. Many of us served in positions of leadership to start helping others, we racked up hours and hours of community service and volunteer work... and in each other, we were able to find that support and strength to carry out our duties and carry on with life.



Shavon did our Celtic Sisterhood Knots for our tattoos. The perfect way to capture the moments that our group had experienced and remember our time together always. Each of us has a slightly different version that represents our varying personalities as well. After a display of how little I knew about tattoos and myself, Shavon read me and I let her do her artistic version of my dull idea and she brought my tattoo to life. This experience meant more to me than just some ink on my wrist, it was about a group of people I had never met anyone else like them and how we all changed each other and the lives of others just by being who we are. Shavon understood all of this.



Bottom line: It's clean, she's smart, she's AMAZING, Shavon is an ARTIST, and don't go in with a crappy attitude because I'll smack you. <3



I will go back always.

I went to get my tattoo at the purple lotus on my birthday this week. It was my first tattoo and I was very nervous at first until shavon started. The atmosphere was amazing and shavon's work was so gentle it was like getting the tattoo in my own living room. I love my tattoo and her detailed aftercare instructions have been a blessing. If you're in Columbia and planning to get a tattoo, the purple lotus is the place to go!

When my wife and I decided we wanted to get our wedding bands tattooed we were both a little nervous. This would be her first tattoo and though it was my third, based on my past experiences with not so good tattoo artists I wanted to make a more informed decision this time around about who I let put permanent markings on my body. After 3 of my friends told me about this lady named Shavon that owned the Purple Lotus and how superb her work was we decided to give her a try, and to our delight she far surpassed our expectations. From the first consulatation appointment until today with us getting our tattoos everything was great. The cleanliness of the building, the warm feeling when you walk in, and the professionalism of Shavon and her team was truly a pleasant experience through and through. Not to mention my wife and I absolutely love our wedding bands and we're so happy that we chose Shavon to do them. I can't remember the names of the other tattoo parlors or other the artists that did my previous tattoos, but I definetely won't forget Shavon and the Purple Lotus! I'm sooo looking forward to getting Shavon to do some more work very soon!

They did an incredible job helping me with my body art. Shavon does amazing work and is a joy to work with! I have a true, one of a kind, beautiful piece of art for life. Thanks Shavon............. Blair

I did 7 months of research to select the perfect artist to be my first! I decided to get my favorite piece of art placed on my body for my 40th birthday this year.



My friends gave me the names of 8 different people, I visited 12 different businesses in Charlotte, Columbia, and Atlanta and googled at least 10 other businesses and reviewed their artwork.



When I went into Shavon's Purple Lotus 4 months prior to getting my tattoo, I was so taken by the beauty of some of the art and pieces inside that I knew that I would be back. The other shops and businesses had nothing on Shavon's Purple Lotus. I was also impressed by Shavon's role in legalizing the ability to get a tattoo in Columbia.



I had a great deal of anxiety about getting my first tattoo, but Shavon eased my nerves and the purple room made me feel at peace. I had 2 of my friends with me for support and we all laughed and talked the entire time I got my tattoo. That's how at ease Shavon made me.



Now that I'm a member of Shavon's Purple Lotus (that's right I said member - like family), I am destined to get at least 2 more :)

I'm a 43 year old conservative Mom who has wanted a tattoo since I was about 15. My daughter wanted a tattoo last year for Christmas, but I freaked out just a bit...but started to do some research anyway (it's for my kid, right?). After months and months of searching the internet, praying about it, and doing much due diligence, I kept coming back to the artwork of the Purple Lotus...

Reading the reviews where people said Shavon got inside their heads to put the tattoo concept in their minds into a beautiful piece of artwork made me curious, but IT IS THE TRUTH, PEOPLE! My daughter designed a tattoo for me of a cross with a sunburst in the middle - drew it on a sticky note, and then we went to the Purple Lotus Studio and talked to Shavon about it. My daughter wanted a cross with angel wings...no sketch, but we brought a couple pictures from the internet of concepts she liked or didn't like. It was exciting to see the creative wheels start turning in Shavon's head. After talking to my daughter, Shavon pulled out an architectural design book that had wrought iron scrollwork designs and began flipping through it, stopping at exactly the type pattern that personified my daughter - strong, not too girly-girl, but feminine and beautiful...(ok, I'm the mom writing this, and I reserve the right to be biased...point is, Shavon was able to perceive that after talking to us for 25 minutes...). We talked about ankle tattoos and price ranges, and made an appointment for our first tattoos on my daughter's 18th birthday.

I honestly am not amazed by too much in life, but when we got the sketches Shavon drew of our tattoos, I was blown away. Not only did she create a beautiful cross with angel wings for my girl, she drew up the ankle tattoos that FAR exceeded my expectations...

The process of actually getting the artwork inscribed on our bodies wasn't scary at all. The fact that the studio is professional, clean, neat, (and the fact that Shavon led the charge and got legislation passed to regulate the industry in SC) immediately put me at ease. Was I nervous? Heck yeah! But Shavon is absolutely truthful, told us what to expect, and turned a sketch on a sticky note into a beautiful sunshiny masterpiece of art on my shoulder. Her artistic talent is a gift! She is a consummate perfectionist, and knows in her mind's eye what will not only look beautiful, but be a reflection of the person... My daughter's tattoo took much longer than mine and has an incredible amount of intricate detail, but even after the first session where only the linework was done, I thought it was beautiful! Shavon kept saying, "Oh this is nothing - wait till it's finished!" Now that it's almost done, I understand - the detail and shading brought the artwork to life! Every color is absolutely perfect! Watching Shavon at work is almost as cool as looking at the finished product...like watching Michelangelo paint the Sistine Chapel...a masterpiece comes to life right before your eyes! (and I promise I'm not getting paid to write this - it's really how I feel!)

Shavon made our first tattoo experience a wonderful one...her rapport with her customers, her professionalism, the simple and detailed instructions she gives for after care and what to expect, the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of the studio, and above all, the amazing gift that is Shavon's intrinsic artistic talent...I'm calling to schedule my ankle tat right now!

I would definitely recommend the Purple Lotus to others who are interested. It's not your usual tattoo parlor, as soon as we walked in the door I knew this was the place. Everyone was very professional but we felt like we were at a friends house. Shavon is just wonderful from her custom artwork to her personality. She makes you feel so comfortable and at ease. She is a true perfectionist. I was very impressed with how exceptionaly clean the enviroment was. This was my first piece of artwork and I could not be happier. I had my best friend with me and she had a very ugly tattoo. Shavon took her tattoo and made a beautiful butterfly that was so impressive you could not see the old ugly tattoo anywhere.

THANKS SHAVON!!!!!!!!!

I just got my first tattoo today and was so nervous. Shavon made me feel at ease. My tattoo is beautiful and I already want to go back and get another one. She was an amazing person and an amazing artist.

I got my first tattoo at Shavon's Purple Lotus and I love it. The atmosphere is great and they made me feel welcome and very comfortable. Shavon's work was superior. I told Shavon what I wanted and she went with it and made it so much better. The art on my arm turned out better than I ever imagined. There is something to be said about having art placed on your body that comes from a highly trained and experienced artist. I was very impressed with Shavon’s background and training and you will be too. If you care about something so much that you want to memorialize it on your body for the rest of your life, then you should care enough to have the very best do it. I highly recommend Shavon' Purple Lotus.

This was my first tatoo. Once my decision was made, I am so glad I found and met Shavon. If you want to pick something from a book, go elsewhere. Waste your money.



True art is a process. The consult was awesome (wife participated), then, Shavon worked over the next few weeks to finalize my design.



So cool, my tatoo is mine, unique and designed for me, in honor of my 25th wedding aniversary. It will be seen on me, not anywhere else.



Highly, highly, recommended from this newbie.

About a year and a half ago I moved to Columbia (SC) from DFW (TX) due to my job. I had a tattoo artist I had been going to for years back in Texas that did amazing work. I was concerned about finding an artist as good or better in a state that had only recently made tattooing legal.



I wanted to add a few more individual pieces to my arm and then turn it into a sleeve. Over the years I have become rather particular about my tattoo artists and figured that I would be just flying back to Dallas to continue the work on my arm. However I did decide I would scope out a few of the artists around town to see if any of them would hold up. So I developed my list of places to visit and the first day, on a whim, I skipped a few and went to Shavon's Purple Lotus.



The first thing I loved about the establishment was the ambiance. Being in a house instead of a strip-mall gives it a much more intimate feel. You are asked to remove your shoes before entering. I love this, in Japan this is done not only to help keep the indoors cleaner but it also helps create a much more relaxed and comfortable at home feeling. Once entering, the house is filled with relics, trinkets, and various Asian scrolls, prayer flags, photographs and even India style pillows to sit on.



You will be greeted by one if not all three employees working at the shop Rebecca (who always has a beautiful smile on her face), Richard (who has some amazing sleeves; also an artist!), or Shavon (the owner and sweetest person you will ever meet). After only a short conversation with Shavon, I scrapped the list of other places and knew that I had found my artist. She was completely open to what it is I wanted to do, gave suggestions and very importantly is willing to do fine needle work. I must stress, there are plenty of artists that will increase the size of what you want b/c they don't want to use fine needles (messing up with a fine needle shows).



After having three detailed tattoos placed on my arm by Shavon, I suggest...no I strongly suggest that if you want wonderful custom work done by a true professional in a friendly open environment go to Shavon's Purple Lotus!!



-JC-

I had decided about a year ago that I wanted to get a tattoo. I'm getting older and wanted to do something out of the norm for me. My husband researched several places and found The Purple Lotus. When we got there I was starting get nervous and was having 2nd thoughts.



Well I went ahead and let Shavon do her art work. I had chosen a flower which didn't have a lot of color. While on the table (and screaming, humming, etc....) Shavon told me I needed to add a hummingbird which would give more color. I told her I was already in pain and said okay (although I thought I would die). No I don't have a high tolerance to pain. It's just me.



Anyway, Shevon did an excellent job on my tattoo and I love it. She wold love to add to your tattoo if you let her. Shavon makes you feel comfortable and keeps a conversation going to keep your mind off the pain.



I would definitely recommend the Purple Lotus to others who are interested in getting one. It's family oriented and not your usual tattoo parlor. I suggest anyone to go by and check it out, talk to her and Richard. They're great people.

Her artwork is inspirational, so detail oriented, and overall out of this world. More or less, if you want to get excellent custom work, go to Shavon's Purple Lotus. She is amazing.

The Purple Lotus is the perfect place to get a work of art on the body. You can feel the positive energy as soon as you walk in. And Shavon......What can you say, she's just awesome in every way possible... From her artwork to her personality... Its not everyday you come across someone like her. She likes to get to know her customers very well.



The artwork is amazing... such perfection in detail and originality... I will continue to go to the Purple Lotus until I have no room left on my body.

Thanks shavon! I had a great time and can't wait to see what more you add to my dragon and hammer. See ya soon!

At first I was totally against my husband getting another tattoo, but I must say after seeing what she was able to do with his old tattoo adding an anchor into his rose was absolutely amazing. And best of all my husband wanted my name in it. Her talent is beyond belief. She certainly defines the true sense of an "artist" at work. I think her expertise in this line of work surpasses many of those who claim such a task. I would reccommend her to anyone who was desiring, thinking, or wanting a tattoo. Being a nurse, I observed how careful she was keeping all areas clean/sanitary while maintaining great rapport with her client. Once again, thanks to Shavon.

As our 2 1/2 year old would say " GOOD JOB".

Composing a review of Shavon’s Purple Lotus has been difficult for me given that everyone else had already written extraordinary reviews. Hence, here’s yet another.



I received two amazing tattoos from Shavon, a brilliant artist, on Saturday. She makes you feel so comfortable. Never before had I ever felt so much at ease. Shavon is truly a perfectionist.



P.S. I hope you enjoy your much deserved vacation!

My experience with the Purple Lotus and Shavon has been absolutely amazing. My older sister actually recommended her and the studio after she went throughout columbia trying to find the right place to get her next tattoo. After looking at their website and seeing all the wonderful artwork, I decided to e-mail Shavon to tell her about an idea I had for my first tattoo. I emailed her on a Monday night telling her what I was interested in getting, Tuesday morning I had a response from her that she would love to do my tattoo for me. Two days later, Shavon e-mailed me telling me that she had drawn out an idea that she thought I might like. I did not include a picture in my e-mail and I was completely amazed by the fact that she went on her own time to google the flowers that I wanted. I went into the shop that Saturday with my sister and she showed me the drawing she had done, it was amazing. I scheduled my appt. for the following weekend. When I went into her shop today, she showed me the new drawing with the added features i requested and it took my breath away. She fitted the image to my body and away we began. The artwork that is all throughout the entire studio helps keep you in a very zen state of mind and I was surprised by how un-nervous I was feeling even though it was my first tattoo. Shavon's work is absolutely amazing! Since i got the tattoo on my shoulder and couldn't see what was going on, she would wipe the color she was using on my forearm so I could see. She was very encouraging the whole time and I felt completely at ease in her chair. As an added bonus, she casual asked me if I liked bowling and I said "yeah, cosmic bowling is the best". She took this as the okay to outline my flowers in ink that only shows up under a black light. Shavon's work brought me to tears when she finally showed me the finished product because I never imagined in my head that it would look this beautiful. She is such an amazing and caring person and she makes you laugh and feel comfortable and is always ready with a hug when you walk in the shop, making you feel just like family. I have already begun recommending her shop to everyone I know and my whole family plans on making this our permanent studio to go too for body art.